How to Make Your Business More Sustainable

Whether you’re starting small, or ready to implement sweeping changes, making your business more sustainable is both savvy and socially responsible. Here are just a few of the steps you could take to enhance your company’s eco-friendly image while contributing to a cleaner future for planet Earth:

Make the commute greener

Your company can help to cut emissions by making it easier for employees to commute more sustainably — and less frequently. For example, installing charging stations at the office could encourage more workers to consider driving electric vehicles. If you’re moving, Susan Ward of The Balance suggests finding a location that allows employees to take public transit, walk, or ride a bicycle to work. If it makes sense for your business, you could also make changes that allow employees to work from home full-time or multiple days a week.

Operate more sustainably

Making substantive changes to your business operations takes significant planning and effort, but it’s a great way to make a serious sustainability impact. Changes to consider will vary quite a bit depending on your business. Examples include using renewable energy for manufacturing or web hosting, transitioning the company fleet to hybrid or all-electric vehicles, and prioritizing eco-friendly materials and construction methods when building new facilities. As a step that could apply to nearly any type of business, Ward recommends reviewing your company’s supply chain and seeking out ways to procure products and materials that are recycled, renewably sourced, and non-toxic.

Reduce waste

Reducing waste at your place of business is an easy step to take toward greater sustainability. Small Business Trends staff writer Annie Pilon suggests switching to paperless billing for company accounts, printing fewer paper documents, and purchasing recycled paper for everyday business needs. Other simple waste-reduction ideas include stocking reusable cups for the water cooler or coffee machine, switching from paper towels to hand dryers in your restrooms, buying secondhand or recycled office furniture, and reusing printer ink cartridges.

Save energy

There are many ways your business can save energy and reduce its carbon footprint. According to Pilon, plugging computers into power strips, turning off unused electronics or activating sleep mode, and switching to desk lamps from overhead lighting could help your employees use less electricity while working. For your office as a whole, she suggests installing a smart thermostat and energy-efficient light bulbs, investing in more efficient appliances, and improving the building’s insulation. Making upgrades could benefit your bottom line, too — Ward notes rebate and incentive programs are often available for businesses that invest in energy efficiency.

Set specific goals

Before your business starts making changes just for the sake of “going green,” it’s a good idea to have a plan. In an article for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, marketing professional Sean Peek recommends you take some time to determine what your objectives will be and how you intend to meet them. With specific goals in hand, you can make more effective progress toward sustainability — and establish a track record of achievements along the way.

Along with helping the environment, making your business greener could help you save money while boosting your reputation in the community. If your business is ready to begin the journey toward greater sustainability, these steps are a good place to start.